MONDAY, FEB. 21 - 10:20 a.m. | The Gift and the Grace of Suffering

2022 CONFERENCE ON JUSTICE AND SOCIAL CONCERNS

CULTIVATING COMMUNITY THROUGH DIALOGUE AND ACTION: SYNODALITY AS JOURNEYING TOGETHER

MONDAY, FEB. 21 

10:20 a.m. | The Gift and the Grace of Suffering 

Mike H. Bassett (J.D. `87) Author of The Man in the Ditch 

Sometimes we find ourselves stuck in darkness as if we are in a “ditch” and feel helpless. This presentation will discuss just such a story about feeling alone, but through dialogue with God and those who believe in us, we can help ourselves and others overcome these dark and difficult times. Seeing all opportunities as grace, Bassett’s story reminds us that difficult times have the power to change us for the better — especially when we recognize the work of the Holy Spirit within and around us. 

The 2022 Conference on Justice and Social Concerns is inspired by Fratelli Tutti: Encyclical Letter on Fraternity and Social Friendship by Pope Francis and the concept of synodality, a term the Catholic Church used to describe the process of togetherness and collaboration. 

The three-day conference will reflect on the last two chapters, Paths of Renewed Encounter and Religions in Service of Fraternity in Our World. 

The conference will examine the chapters as they speak to community, action and dialogue.

All events are free and open to the public. Unless otherwise stated, all sessions will be held in the University Center, Conference Room A. To find daily links and detailed conference information, including discussion topics and questions and speaker biographies, visit www.stmarytx.edu/conference.